Looking for the best places to travel in January? It’s the perfect month to kick off the new year with an exciting adventure.
Whether you want to unwind in a sunny destination, hit the ski slopes, or explore a charming winter city, January offers plenty of travel options to suit every kind of traveler.
This list highlights the best places to travel in January for weather, activities, affordability, and excellent Dollar Club flight deals.
Mexico City, Mexico
January in Mexico City means mild weather and clear skies, perfect for exploring the city’s rich cultural history and vibrant food scene. With temperatures around 50-75°F, it’s a great winter escape for travelers who prefer to avoid the chill.
- Activities: Visit Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, or stroll through the hip neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa for artisanal markets and innovative cuisine. Don’t miss the bustling energy of El Zócalo and its surrounding landmarks.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Our data found flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Mexico City (MEX) starting at $180, making this an accessible, budget-friendly destination for the best places to travel in January.
Aspen, Colorado
January in Aspen offers fantastic snow and world-class skiing, making it one of the top winter destinations in the US. Temperatures range from 10-30°F, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Activities: Hit the slopes at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, or Buttermilk. Off the slopes, explore the town’s chic shops and gourmet restaurants or relax in cozy après-ski lounges. The Winter X Games are also held in Aspen in late January, drawing fans of extreme winter sports.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Our data found flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Aspen (ASE) starting at around $200.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
January is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, where you’ll find sunshine, warm temperatures, and lush landscapes.
- Activities: Lounge on beautiful beaches like Playa Conchal or Playa Tamarindo, explore the rainforest on a canopy tour, or take a dip in natural hot springs near Rincon de la Vieja volcano. January is also a great time for wildlife sightings, with many migratory birds and sea turtles visible in the area.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Flights from both Washington DC (DCA) and Miami (MIA) to Liberia (LIR) start around $250, providing easy access to the Guanacaste coast.
Tulum, Mexico
With warm temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s, Tulum is an ideal beach escape in January, offering plenty of sunshine and a lively atmosphere. Known for its wellness offerings, jungle raves, and cenotes, there’s a little something for every type of traveler here, making it among the best places to travel in January.
- Activities: Visit Tulum’s famous ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel in cenotes, or relax on its pristine beaches. January is also a fantastic time to explore nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with lush mangroves, lagoons, and diverse wildlife.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Flights from Boston (BOS) to Cancun (CUN) start around $300, with easy transfers to Tulum.
Zermatt, Switzerland
For breathtaking alpine views and world-class skiing, Zermatt is one of the best places to travel in January. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt offers snowy slopes, charming chalet villages, and a cozy winter ambiance. Temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Activities: Ski or snowboard in the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, enjoy après-ski by the fire, or take the Gornergrat railway for stunning mountain views. A trip to the Igloo Village is a must for an unforgettable ice sculpture and snow hotel experience.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: A dream destination for many, flights from New York (JFK) to Zurich (ZRH) can be found for as low as $400, and Los Angeles (LAX) to Geneva (GVA) for just $500 ($400 cheaper than usual), with easy train connections to Zermatt, offering a more affordable path to Swiss luxury.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
January is one of the best months to visit Zanzibar, with warm weather and limited rainfall. This beautiful archipelago is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.
- Activities: Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, go snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters, and unwind on the white-sand beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa. Visit local spice farms to learn about Zanzibar’s history as the “Spice Island” and sample fresh cloves, vanilla, and cardamom.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Flights from New York (JFK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) start around $900 right now, which is about $600 cheaper than usual.
Fiji
For a tropical paradise in January, Fiji offers warm weather, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace to unwind. With temperatures between 75-85°F, Fiji’s islands provide the perfect setting to escape winter’s chill.
- Activities: Snorkel or dive in vibrant coral reefs, visit traditional Fijian villages, or relax on the pristine beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. Adventure-seekers can try surfing, jet skiing, or a scenic helicopter ride over the islands.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Our data found flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Nadi (NAN) for just $700, offering around $400 in savings for a tropical getaway to a highly-desired destination.
Tasmania, Australia
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere makes Tasmania an ideal destination for January travel. This Australian island state is known for its rugged landscapes, wildlife, and culinary scene.
- Activities: Hike in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, sample award-winning wines in the Tamar Valley, or explore Hobart’s historic waterfront. January also hosts the MONA FOMA arts festival, adding a cultural touch to the trip.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hobart (HBA) start around $700, giving travelers a chance to explore Australia’s natural beauty at a reasonable price.
Stowe, Vermont
For those seeking a classic winter escape, one of the most highly-underrated best places to travel in January is Stowe. This quaint ski town offers picturesque New England charm, snow-covered mountains, and cozy inns.
- Activities: Ski or snowboard at Stowe Mountain Resort, take a scenic snowshoe hike through Smugglers’ Notch, or enjoy après-ski at one of the local breweries. The nearby Ben & Jerry’s factory also makes for a fun winter stop.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Our flight data found flights from Dallas (DFW) to Burlington (BTV), the closest airport to Stowe, for just $288, providing $230 in savings.
Santo Domingo
With warm weather and vibrant culture, Santo Domingo in January is a fantastic destination to escape the winter blues. Temperatures range from 70-85°F, ideal for exploring the historic sites, beaches, and lively neighborhoods of the Dominican capital.
- Activities: Walk through the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see historic Spanish architecture, visit the Alcázar de Colón, or relax on nearby Boca Chica Beach. The city’s nightlife is also vibrant, offering a taste of local merengue and bachata music.
- Dollar Flight Club deals: Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Santo Domingo (SDQ) can be found for just $227 right now, granting you $300 in savings and making this an affordable choice for a Caribbean getaway.
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